You Can Run a Marathon Without Training

Question

Running a marathon is an incredible feat, and one that many of us will likely never do because of the strain and the months of training required. However, this claim introduces the idea of skipping all that hard work and hoping right into the race. While it is possible to run a marathon without training, the real question is whether you should. And according to professionals, the answer is a strong absolutely not.

In an article from the Marathon Handbook, Running Coach Amber Sayer references concerning videos about running a marathon with no training and the interest that has sprouted from them. She explains how challenging a marathon can be without the recommended several months of raining, and the greater issues. She claims novice runners can put stress on their kidneys, provoke muscle tissue, and are at risk of running-induced injuries (knee pain and stress fractures).

Sayer recommends beginners run for 6 months to a year before even starting marathon training. She also invites runners to do a half-marathon before starting to train for the full thing. While it’s possible to run a marathon without any training, it’s not recommended. If you really want to run a marathon, it seems best thing to do is throw those running shorts on and turn on the treadmill.

Answer 1

The claim that you can run a marathon without training, while technically true, is misleading. Running a marathon without training can lead to many health complications and injury, and can overall be dangerous. It doesn't take into account the risks that come with running a marathon without training, which, according to Austin Fit Magazine, far outweigh any benefits. For this runner, going into a marathon without training led to plantar fasciitis (defined by Mayo Clinic as inflammation of the plantar fascia, or the tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot). In the Marathon Handbook, they list the many health complications that can come from running a marathon without training, ranging from running-related injuries, stress on the kidneys, and even the negative aspect it can have on one's mental health. Overall, running a marathon with no training, while technically doable, is dangerous and shouldn't be taken lightly.

Sources:

Marathon Handbook

Austin Fit Magazine

Mayo Clinic

Answer 2

While running a marathon with no training could technically be completed by a genetic outlier, this does not ring true for the average person, with little to no stamina in long term running or jogging. 

"where clear thresholds of exercise intensity are associated with changes in certain heart rate, metabolic, and/or blood lactate measures, biomechanical alterations may be similar regardless of how fatigue is enforced, provided a certain threshold of fatigue is reached" 

This fatigue can lead to worse performance or even long term health issues if not taken care of properly.  Which is why I believe at least some level of training is necessary to take on a feat such as a marathon.

sources:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096663622400643X

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4555089/

Answer 3

While the title of this argument is true, it is misleading and can influence people to accidentally harm themselves. For some, it is physically possible to run a marathon without any training, but this comes with a very high risk of injuries or even kidney and liver damage. As the article stated, running coach Amber Say from the Marathon Handbook said that it could be possible, but highly recommended not to do so. She recommends that people interested in running a marathon run for at least 6 months before even training for the actual event. 

With that, OC Marathon states that with little to no training for a marathon, the repetitive motions of a runner's stride and cause strain on muscles in the legs. This includes hip flexors, quads, calves, and hamstrings.  They also say that there is a high chance of dehydration and exhaustion. If you have not trained for a marathon, and one day you wake up and run 26.2 miles, you are putting your body through events it probably hasn't come close to experiencing before, leading to consequences. 

In conclusion, it is possible to run a marathon without any training, but it is highly recommended not to. 

source: 

https://marathonhandbook.com/running-a-marathon-without-training/

https://ocmarathon.com/can-you-run-a-marathon-without-training-2/
 

Answer 4

The claim, "You Can Run A Marathon Without Training," is true in the sense that you can complete the race, but physically, it can deteriorate your body and cause you to not perform to your best. Running a marathon without training can deteriorate your kidneys and heart, strain your muscles, and increase bone injury. This is because your body is not used to this activity and is shocked by this amount of exercise without breaks. Without stretching or even practicing running short distances, your body would be unprepared and not built up the tolerance for this activity. This claim is exaggerated, as you can run a marathon without training, but there are many health factors that would deplete your health by doing this. 

Public Med https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24982707/  demonstrates how Exertional rhabdomyolysis can cause athletes severe muscle issues that need extremely quick treatment. It can cause muscle strain, swelling, and breakdown of muscles. This article highlights how running a marathon with no amount of training can cause muscle issues like Exertional rhabdomyolysis. 

Also, https://fr.footactive.co.uk/blog/the-pitfalls-of-running-a-marathon-without-training states that it is physically possible to run a marathon without proper training, or any training at all, for that matter, yet it can create a higher risk for shin splints in athletes, plantar fasciitis, runner’s knee, dehydration, and overexhaustion. There are many negative factors in not training for a marathon, although it is possible to do so. 

Another source, https://www.outsideonline.com/health/training-performance/no-training-marathon/, shows how runners who don't train for a marathon can experience severe post-race soreness, muscle pain, injury, and dehydration, all with a slow recovery in the end.

Overall, this claim is true yet exaggerated, as it can be completed, but with many negative health impacts after doing so that are not mentioned in this claim. Many sports coaches or professionals within sports medicine claim that they strongly advise training for a marathon to prepare your body for the event. 

Answer 5

I believe it is not possible for the average human with zero recommended training to RUN an entire marathon. The physical implications would effect the runner too much to the point of failure. The average person's muscles are not built or trained to withstand that effort. According to the article linked, the person would be at risk of muscle tears, dehydration, exhaustion, and injury. It is possible to walk a marathons length without preparation, but running is a complete different task.  https://ocmarathon.com/can-you-run-a-marathon-without-training-2/

Answer 6

This claim is technically true because while some people can probably run a marathon without training, it is extremely dangerous. This is because it can cause serious injuries and health problems. Any kind of medical professional or experienced runner can justify this. In an article written by UCLA Health, they claim, "A general rule, particularly for novice runners, is to increase weekly mileage by no more than 10%. This allows the body to adapt.". Proving that there should be some training to adapt to the harsh conditions of a marathon. They also claim that injuries for runners who are experienced runners are also extremely common. Overall, this claim is extremely misleading and can cause great harm.

https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/how-prevent-running-injuries-marathon